Nigeria’s digital economy is on an upward trajectory, as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has unveiled transformative initiatives including a $2 billion fibre optic infrastructure rollout, a nationwide telecom tower deployment, and a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI).
The announcement came during a pre-recorded interview for a State House documentary marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office. Tijani confirmed that the rollout of 90,000km of fibre lines and 7,000 telecom towers will formally begin in Q4 2025, reinforcing Nigeria’s tech-driven economic strategy.
“We’re not chasing quick wins. These are foundational reforms that will reshape Nigeria’s economy for generations,” Tijani stated.
FDI Soars Ninefold in 12 Months
Tijani reported that the ICT sector attracted $191 million in FDI in Q1 2024, up dramatically from $22 million in Q1 2023—a clear indication of renewed investor confidence under the Tinubu administration.
The trend continued into Q2 2024, with investments rising from $25 million in 2023 to $114 million.
“With robust policy reforms and sectoral focus, we are seeing Nigeria emerge as a global digital leader,” he added.
3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) Driving Workforce Transformation
The minister highlighted the success of the 3MTT programme, launched in October 2023, to upskill Nigerians for the global digital economy. The initiative has already trained 117,000+ Nigerians, surpassing its initial target of 30,000. An additional 35,000 are currently undergoing training.
Tijani reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reaching the three million talent goal before the end of its tenure.
$2 Billion Fibre Rollout and AI Innovation Take Center Stage
Dubbed Project Bridge, the infrastructure plan includes a $2 billion investment to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable—aiming for 98% nationwide connectivity and aligning with the National Broadband Plan target of 90% penetration by 2025 (currently at 48%).
In addition, Tijani announced the deployment of 7,000 new telecom towers, with the project already approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“A 10% increase in broadband hubs could raise GDP by 2.5%. That’s the scale of our ambition,” he said.
AI Leadership and Startup Ecosystem Expansion
Nigeria now ranks among the top 60 countries in AI readiness, thanks to initiatives like the AI Collective platform, backed by Google, Microsoft, and Pierre Omidyar. The ministry has funded 55 academic research projects in emerging technologies, and invested ₦300 million in 10 AI and blockchain startups focused on agriculture.
Tijani also cited progress with the Nigeria Startup House in San Francisco, a project targeting $5 billion in startup funding, designed to connect Nigerian tech firms to global investors and government procurement pipelines.
Legislative Momentum and Rural Access
Key developments include:
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Digital Economy Bill passing its first reading in the National Assembly
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Over 500 government technologists trained in AI and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
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12 states adopting zero-rated Right-of-Way policies, reducing infrastructure costs
Tijani predicted the sector’s GDP contribution will rise from 16% to 22% within the coming years, describing tech as the “bridge between government and the people.”
